An internationally recognized expert in business and human rights (BHR), Professor Penelope Simons brings decades of experience in human rights scholarship, leadership, and advocacy to the role. Currently the Gordon F. Henderson Chair in Human Rights (until June 30, 2025), she has long been a central figure in the Centre’s development and activities.
Penelope Simons is no stranger to HRREC leadership, having served as interim director in 2013–2014 and as a long-standing member of its management committee. Her ties to the Centre date back to 2007 when she joined the Faculty of Common Law.
As HRREC Director, she says: "I will build on the current strengths and successes of the HRREC and support the ongoing and future work and initiatives of its members." Among her priorities is strengthening the Centre’s bilingual presence and positioning it as a national and international hub for research on business and human rights.
Professor Simons’ extensive legal background includes work with the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, co-counsel roles in landmark corporate accountability cases in Canada, and collaborations with organizations such as Amnesty International, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability.
Her vision includes expanding the Centre’s public education offerings and fostering interdisciplinary research networks within and beyond the university. She also plans to enhance mentorship for students and early-career researchers. She emphasized her commitment to inclusive leadership, saying she aims to ensure "an open, inclusive and supportive working and research environment" at the Centre.
Penelope Simons will succeed Professor John Packer, who has served as Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre since winter 2014. His mandate will conclude on June 30, 2025.